May 4, 2012

ATHENS, Ohio - Former Ohio University football players A.J. Strum and Donte' Harden have both been given the opportunity to continue their respective playing careers with the Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints.

Strum received a tryout from the Lions following a senior campaign that saw him earn his second MAC All-Conference honor as he was named to the league's Third Team this past season.

In 2011, Strum helped pave the way for the Ohio running game as the Bobcats racked up over 2,700 yards. His 845 plays ranked third among all Ohio offensive lineman. Strum finished the year with 61 pancake blocks, 12 decleaters and 73 knockdowns.

Harden earned a shot with Saints after he was named to the All-MAC Third Team as both a kickoff return specialist and a running back. The senior running back totaled a school record 322 all-purpose yards in the Bobcats win over Temple. Harden finished the year with 986 yards rushing and accounted for four touchdowns.